Parents who choose to have a separation surgery on their conjoined babies feel a mixture of anxiety, love, and hope. The decision is not made lightly. Shellie and Greg Tucker of Adams, NY, were faced with two such decisions after they found out at 20 weeks that Shellie was carrying conjoined twins.

Good Morning America recounted the family’s story and shared that one doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. The babies were not expected to survive outside of the womb. After traveling to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a second opinion, the Tuckers found the specialists there were optimistic.

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Knowing the risks and rewards, Shellie and Greg decided to carry the girls to full term. They also decided to do the separation surgery. Identical twins Allison and Amelia were born in the spring of 2012 joined at the torso. In the video shared below, a tearful Shellie described hearing their screams when they were born as “the most wonderful feeling.” For obvious medical reasons, the girls lived at the hospital until it was the right time for their surgery.

Doctors planned their separation surgery for months, and after a complex process that took seven hours, the girls’ separation was reported by the head doctor as being complete. According to the hospital’s website, the twins shared several organs and muscles including skin, the diaphragm, and liver. It took a team of 40 medical professionals to handle their highly specialized care.

That was in November 2012 and ABC’s Good Morning America caught up with the family one year after the surgery. Now toddlers, Allison and Amelia are doing wonderfully! Bubbly and happy, they can be seen laughing and speaking baby jargon. In one adorable picture, they’re even snuggling their faces together. There’s no denying the twin bond is magical!

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Their mom Shellie is overjoyed and grateful that they get to run, play, and pillage as toddlers do, considering their uncertain start. When he saw Amelia and Allison separated for the first time, dad Greg described it as being “the most amazing feeling.” To see both girls pull through the surgery was a feat in itself, as operations such as theirs are extremely risky.

When Shellie talked about their journey, she had this to say:

“I’m thankful every single day. I can’t describe it – seeing the girls. . .and seeing them climb and get into things. As aggravated as I get I can’t help but laugh because they’re an absolute miracle.”

Twins are known for their extraordinary bond, and these former conjoined twins will always have shared a different type of closeness, even if for a moment. As the girls grow up as twins, Allison and Amelia will have a unique story to tell about their special circumstances. We’re so glad to see them healthy and thriving! What do you think of this inspirational story? Tell us in the comments!